I’m Lachlan Brown from Hack Spirit. Through years of exploring mindfulness, I’ve found some simple habits that can really make us happier. It’s not about big changes; it’s about small steps we can take every day.

In this article, I’m excited to share 5 easy mindful habits that can help you feel more joy.

These aren’t just random tips. They’re based on what psychology tells us works.

Whether you’re new to mindfulness or have been practicing for a while, these habits can make a big difference in how you feel each day.

Let’s dive in and see how these habits can help us live happier lives.

1. Embrace the Art of Letting Go

Learning to let go is a powerful step toward a happier life.

It’s all about releasing the negative emotions, grudges, and worries over things beyond our control. Instead, we focus on the present and what we can influence.

Carl Rogers, a renowned psychologist, once captured this beautifully: “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”

This perspective encourages us to appreciate our journey, emphasizing growth and progression over holding onto the past.

Echoing this sentiment, philosopher Jack Kornfeild offered another layer of insight: “To let go does not mean to get rid of. To let go means to let be. When we let be with compassion, things come and go on their own.”

These words remind us that letting go is an act of trust and acceptance. It’s not about forcing change or denial but allowing life to flow, trusting in the natural course of events.

By embracing the art of letting go, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and joys.

Start with something small: release a petty annoyance, forgive a minor offense.

This practice lightens our hearts and broadens our capacity for happiness.

Letting go isn’t about quitting; it’s about choosing to concentrate on the positives and what truly enriches our lives.

2. Live in the Present Moment

Living in the present is essential for happiness, even though it’s often challenging. Our minds tend to wander—to the past with its regrets or to the future with its uncertainties. However, life truly unfolds in the now, and that’s where our focus should be.

Famous psychologist Eckhart Tolle once said, “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life.”

Tolle’s advice is a powerful reminder that the present is the only place where life happens. By anchoring ourselves in the Now, we engage fully with our experiences, whether they’re joyful, challenging, or mundane.

Practicing presence might start with something as simple as noticing the sensation of your breath, the warmth of the sun on your skin, or the sound of laughter. It’s about doing your best to stay with these moments, acknowledging them without judgment.

Yes, our minds will wander, and yes, it will be difficult at times. But the effort to return to the present moment is what matters.

This habit doesn’t just increase our happiness; it enriches our entire life experience, making each moment more vivid and meaningful.

Living in the present isn’t about ignoring the past or future. It’s about recognizing that the only time we truly have to live, love, and grow is now.

3. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s about recognizing the good in our lives and appreciating what we have, right here and right now.

In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness

This habit can transform our perspective, turning what we have into enough and more. It shifts our focus from what’s missing to the abundance that’s already present.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into how Buddhist principles, especially gratitude, can lead to a fulfilling life.

Buddhism teaches us to appreciate the present and find joy in the simplest of things. By applying these teachings, we can start seeing the world through a lens of gratitude, which is a surefire way to boost our happiness.

Start small. Every day, think of three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big—sometimes, it’s the small joys that make a big difference. Maybe it’s a delicious cup of coffee, a call from a friend, or simply a moment of quiet. Recognizing these moments cultivates a habit of gratitude that can deeply enrich your life.

Gratitude brings us back to the present moment, reminding us that there is always something to be thankful for. It’s a powerful antidote to negativity and discontent, helping us to lead lives with maximum impact and minimum ego.

Embracing gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges. Instead, it allows us to approach them with a positive mindset, making us more resilient and content. Let’s make gratitude a daily practice and watch how it transforms our lives.

4. Embrace positivity

Embracing positivity can transform our daily lives, casting a light on the good things we might otherwise overlook.

It’s not about ignoring the bad but about giving more weight to the good. This approach can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life.

The influential psychologist Carl Jung once said, “What you resist not only persists, but will grow in size.”

This quote highlights the importance of embracing rather than resisting our experiences.

By focusing on positive aspects, we don’t give unnecessary power to the negative.

This doesn’t mean we won’t face challenges, but we approach them with a mindset that looks for solutions and silver linings.

Starting this habit can be as simple as shifting your perspective when you’re faced with a setback. Instead of seeing it as a defeat, view it as a learning opportunity.

Ask yourself, “What can this teach me?” This pivot towards positivity can change how we experience life’s ups and downs.

Positivity is more than just a personal benefit. It influences those around us, spreading a wave of optimism and resilience.

By choosing to focus on the positive, we’re not just improving our own lives; we’re contributing to a more hopeful, uplifting environment for everyone.

Let’s commit to positivity, knowing it will enrich our lives and the lives of those we touch, guided by the wisdom of psychologists like Jung who remind us of the power of our perspective.

5. Connect with Others

Human connection is a cornerstone of happiness. In a world that often values independence and self-reliance, it’s easy to forget how essential our relationships with others are. Connecting with family, friends, and even strangers enriches our lives with meaning and joy.

Research in psychology consistently shows that strong, supportive relationships are key to our well-being. These connections provide comfort, help us feel understood and valued, and offer a sense of belonging. It’s not about the number of friends you have or your social status; it’s the quality of those connections that truly matters.

A simple but profound way to deepen connections is by listening genuinely. When you listen, do so with the intent to understand, not just to respond. This creates a space where others feel seen and heard, which is a powerful gift in today’s fast-paced world.

Another way to strengthen bonds is through acts of kindness. Small gestures of care and consideration can go a long way in nurturing relationships. Whether it’s a thoughtful message, helping out with a task, or just spending quality time together, these acts of kindness weave a stronger fabric of community.

Human connection also means being open and vulnerable. Sharing your own experiences, hopes, and fears can foster deeper connections and mutual trust. It’s through these shared experiences that we find common ground, empathy, and a deeper sense of happiness.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our exploration of mindful habits that lead to happiness, it’s clear that the path to a more joyful life is built on simple, yet profound practices.

From embracing the art of letting go to cultivating positivity, practicing gratitude, living in the present, and cherishing our connections with others, each step is a piece of the puzzle that makes up a fulfilling life.

These habits are not just theoretical concepts; they are practical, actionable, and deeply rooted in psychological wisdom.

As I’ve shared in my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, the journey toward happiness is both an inward exploration and an outward practice of embodying mindfulness in our everyday lives.

Incorporating these habits doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your life but rather, an openness to gradual, meaningful change. It’s about making small adjustments, embracing each moment, and recognizing the power we have to shape our own happiness.

As you apply these principles, remember to be patient with yourself. Growth and change are processes that unfold uniquely for each of us.

Let this article, alongside the insights and practices shared in my book, serve as your guide on the journey to a happier, more connected life. Remember, happiness is not a distant goal to be achieved but a series of choices and practices we can engage in every day.